outercourse

[Esmith]

Hello

I've been reading through the herpes forum trying to find information on risk of transmission through dry humping/frottage with clothing on. I understand it is considered very low risk because it is not skin-to-skin contact. But I just wanted to quickly ask why? Is it very difficult for the virus to pass even through thin material, like stockings, even though the fluid from semen gets through? I try to avoid intercourse unless I'm in a serious relationship with someone who has been tested (I get tested regularly), but I have engaged in some serious dry humping with panties/tights on for the last month and a half (ironic that the phrase is "dry humping" because things got pretty wet). Obviously stockings are much more porous than say denim jeans... Is there a higher risk of transmission through something like that? I felt pretty safe until a few days ago when I started experiencing some intense burning, itching and redness in my genitals. Just touching the area (labia minora, area around the vagina) is causing pain and discomfort. There are also some bumps that COULD be really mild blisters but I don't have clusters, enlarged lymph nodes, back pain or the flu. There's no weird discharge either but I do have abdominal pain, although I'm not sure if this is related to herpes.

I've always considered dry humping with even just panties or tights much more safe than not. If someone could explain the why and the risk I faced in my own situation, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

thongs don't really count as a layer of clothing....lol.

definitely go to be seen. this sounds far more like a vaginitis than it does herpes.

grace

[Esmith]

That gives me some peace of mind because I haven't really had skin-to-skin contact with any of my partners since I was tested, but it could have happened I guess since I've worn thongs. I'm still very worried about the burning/itching that is keeping me from sleeping. I realize that symptoms vary from person to person but what would mild blister-symptoms be like... Would such a large area of my genitals be itchy/burning or would it be localized in spots where I would have mild blisters. Are there such things as very mild blisters/sores that wouldn't be recognizable? I was looking at myself and noticed some bumpiness around my urethra but nothing abnormally red. I do have discharge. I'm going to try and get tested at planned parenthood... but does this sound like it could be herpes?  

[Mistakeguy789]

Because Herpes is only transmitted via direct skin to skin contact.  If there is no touching of the skin is the only way the virus can get to you.  The virus does not live long outside of the body.

So you could have a yeast infection.  See your doctor for further evaluation for your sores and have them test for a yeast infection.